Goodbye, August!

I feel like this entire summer just flew past. I don't remember half of July, as if it happened months and months ago. And then August came and went. Maybe September will slow down a bit.

2024 Resolutions:

     (1) Don't stop reading
            (b) Complete Monthly Reading Challenge(s)
     (2) Make memories
     (3) Share love of books/writing
     (4) Be kinder to myself

(1) Books read this month: 60 (might get one more in there before midnight though).
    (b) Monthly Reading Challenge(s): Shape = Apple. Got some A-Z stuff recorded. Some serious ARCs. 

(2) August Memories: A few babysitting gigs and cleaning for my grandma (some decent money). Some lazy af days (muuuuuch needed). Looooots of books read. A birthday party for my old coworker's toddler, where I got to catch up withs some old friends. And I started a new job at an indie bookstore! 

(3) Posts this month (including this one): 40.

(4) I think this month went okay. Not any overly low days, a great number of overall high days. Working on getting myself into a routine, but trying to focus on self-care still.

Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?

Any exciting September reads?
Anything I should check out?

#newyearsresolutions #goodbyeaugust #helloseptember #hello2024 #keeplearning #dontstopreading #monthlyreadingchallenge #makememories #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

How to Flirt with a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #1)

AHHH! Here's Shannon Mae's latest book, "How to Flirt with a Hellhound," which is the first book in her newest series Hellhounds of Paradise Falls (which is a spin-off series from Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures).

["Toby
Maybe I have an overactive imagination, but the hot guy next door totally gives off serial killer vibes. Why else would he know how long it takes to bleed out from a wound? Yeah, ok, so I asked, but it was research. Being an author definitely makes for some odd questions (someone had better clear my browser history when I die, that’s all I’m saying). It’s not like I’m stalking my hot neighbor or anything—there’s nothing wrong with watching him out my window. Although I might have my own stalker (and not the cute harmless kind), which is kind of terrifying. Even if he isn’t a serial killer, maybe my seriously sexy neighbor whose eyes seem to glow red (a trick of the light, I’m sure) can help me out.

Dexter
How do you tell your cute neighbor that cutting off fingers probably won’t cause a victim to bleed out? I don’t know if trying out Toby’s writing ideas is a good method of flirting, but there’s just something about him that calls to my hellhound. He’s adorable, awkward, and all kinds of clueless. He brings out my protective instincts, and I find myself wanting to please him, even if that means figuring out some of the answers to his rather bloodthirsty questions. When I find out Toby might actually be in danger, nothing will stop my hellhound from protecting him. He’s mine, even if he doesn’t know it, and I’ll tear apart anyone who even thinks of hurting him."]

And the official tags (because they're the best): ["socially awkward writer and serial killer(ish) hellhound fall in love; talking about dismemberment totally counts as flirting, right?; there’s death and maiming, but only of really bad people; Dex would literally burn the world down for those he cares about; Toby is adorably clueless; hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them."]

Seriously, does Shannon like have a team a deal with a crossroads demon? Because she's too talented. I can't.

This book was soooo fucking good!! It was a little meta, as Toby is a paranormal/dark romance writer himself who just discovered paranormal really exists as he fell in love with his morally gray (with altruistic intentions) hellhound boyfriend. It was really cool how close Shannon skirted the lines of inspiration there.

And Dexter!!! My. God. He was adorable and awkward as hell. Constantly asking himself if X or Y was normal for humans or if Z would startle his Toby too much. And constantly rescuing poeple and then calling them stray!!???? Cassius was not amused (I, for sure, was). And his instinctual need to protect Toby?! Yes. Just, yes.  

Toby was adorable, and his awkward matched Dexter's perfectly. All of him matched Dexter perfectly. It was so fun to watch. I kept giggling to myself while reading, they were just that cute. 

I want need more of this series. Now. Please? ...or all of them (all of them is good).

Quote of the Day (Toby): "In what universe did a sexy neighbor come in, tell you everything you needed to know to complete your current chapter, then kiss you senseless?"

Quote of the Day (Dex): "I chuckled to myself thinking about what Jude would say if I asked about giving a human the corpses of his enemies as a courting gift."

Trigger Warnings: torture, violence, implied abusive relationship, kidnapping, human trafficking, mentions of past trauma, and more

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#howtoflirtwithahellhound #howtohackahellhound #hellhoundsinparadisefalls #hellhoundsinparadisefallsseries #shannonmae #demonicdisastersandafterlifeadventures #demonicdisastersandafterlifeadventuresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Former Fake Boyfriend (Sweet Southern #2)

Here's another ARC that I waited until the last minute to read...oops. Here's Maya Jean's "The Former Fake Boyfriend." It's the second novel in her Sweet Southern series.

["Beau
The strong one. The dependable one. Eldest son. Big brother. Now the family farm is mine to run. My entire life is centered around others. To keep the attention off me at my baby sister’s wedding, I impulsively hire a fake boyfriend to give the pretense of happiness. What I don’t expect is a man that seamlessly fits into my life. Trevor holds me up when no one else thinks twice about my needs or wants. And he keeps coming back for me. Again and again. Our relationship might be fake to Trevor, but I’m playing for keeps. 

Trevor
Fake boyfriend. Good friend. Shitty son. Faking is my only real skill. The dark family secrets I carry inside remind me daily of my worth. Nothing. I’m only of value when I’m providing fake boyfriends a service. But when a sweet farmer hires me for a wedding weekend, everything slowly starts to unravel. Beau works his way into my battered heart with gentle smiles, shy looks, and profound steadiness. Safe with Beau, maybe it’s finally time to stop faking my way through life."]

We saw their post-third-act-break-up reunion in the first novel in this series. Even though we didn't get many details, it was warm and sweet and long overdue. 

Looooong overdue. This one was equally as sweet as it was devastating. I sobbed. In public. It was worth it though. These two are so dedicated to each other, so willing to give up everything for the other's happiness, so disgustingly in love. They were perfect for each other, even if their first meeting or two wasn't the perfect time for them. 

Quote of the Day (Trevor about Beau): "The steamy air still smells like him, like blue skies, the outdoors, and everything beside the word strong in the dictionary."

Trigger Warnings: off-page death of a parent from cancer, neglectful parents, parents in prison, sex work, MC utilizing sex work as a form of self harm, eldest child syndrome, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#thehusbandexperience #theformerfakeboyfriend #mayajean #sweetsouthern #sweetsouthernseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

August's Book Shape Challenge

Here's August's Book Shape Challenge! An apple to celebrate the start of the school year. 

(The above books have been picked with both color and content in mind...you'll see ;) ).

#reading #readingchallenge #readingdare #bookdare #bookchallenge #alphabetchallenge #beatthebacklog #monthlythemes #monthlychallenge #bookshape #bookshapechallenges #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Husband Experience (Sweet Southern #1)

Here's another ARC that I waited until the last minute to read...oops. Here's Maya Jean's "The Husband Experience." It's the first novel in her Sweet Southern series.

["Elijah
Being a fake boyfriend is usually pretty easy. My part time job slots perfectly into my schedule as I pursue my PhD. But when the agency sends me on a week-long vacation to play husband … I don’t expect the experience to feel the opposite of fake. Colby Smith is everything I never knew I needed. He’s sweet, he even blushes, but in the bedroom, he calls all the shots. This experience is supposed to be for him, but as time goes on, I think it’s starting to be real for me.

Colby
After losing my husband, my cousin recommended I reach out to The Boyfriend Experience to get back in the saddle, so to speak. I asked for a husband for a week and they sure delivered. Elijah Ruiz is wild, in a way that shakes my world to the core. But after a week of tender touches, of breathtaking smiles, I start to wonder if it’s really all an act. Can we make this something real after only a week of playing pretend?"]

This book!! It was sooo sweet and tender and just D: ! They were the perfect husbands. Eli wasn't perfect, Colby wasn't perfect, but together, they just clicked. It was honeymoon season from the first day (or maybe the second..the first was a little awkward).

They both fell so hard so fast, but they were afraid of their feelings and afraid to share them. They completed each other in ways they couldn't even comprehend. I definitely cried (a lot). 

AND it had the next couple in the novel! Well, the third-act-break-up and reunion parts. 

Quote of the Day (Eli): "That's what Colby tastes like, sunshine, joy, and humid summer days."

Quote of the Day (Colby): "He tases like Eli and the ocean and everything good in this world."

Trigger Warnings: sex work, death of an extended family member, death of a spouse from cancer, and more

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#thehusbandexperience #theformerfakeboyfriend #mayajean #sweetsouthern #sweetsouthernseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Flower Shop Arrangement

Here's another ARC that I waited until the last minute to read...oops. Here's R. Cayden's "The Flower Shop Arrangement."

["When I inherit a building from a grandpa I’ve never met, there’s only one plan: take the money and run.

Enter Nicholas, the florist with the little shop downstairs. I’m an awkward loner of a carpenter, a straight guy who is totally out of place in this unfamiliar city’s gay district. I don’t know what to do with Nicholas’s easy smile or his hopelessly romantic worldview, so I just ignore how it makes me feel when he says my name.

But as I start on some quick and needed renovations, friendly and talkative Nicholas keeps catching my attention, and my eye wanders where I’ve trained it not to go. The future of his business lies in my hands and what I do with this old, falling-down building. I can’t afford to think about him this way, but we make each other smile, and desires I’ve buried for years rise back to the surface with every loaded silence and moment caught alone together.

Nicholas doesn’t let me grunt and trudge away. He surprises me one night with a proposal. Turns out, Nicholas with the sweet little flower shop has some desires of his own, and we might be the perfect match. With love and romance off the table, we can focus all our attention on the bedroom until I sell the building and leave town, and no one needs to know about it.

No commitment is perfect for me. I’ve spent my entire life building walls.

But the second I get my hands on Nicholas, they all start tumbling down."]

This book was sooooo sweet! There was so much fluff and so much just honest caring. 

Nicholas always wanted love and a relationship, but he thought maybe, just this once, he should try the hook-up scene. Enter Clay. They become fast friends, and the lines blur, and as their self-imposed expiration dates looms closer, Nicholas knows his heart has taken over and there's only one way this thing is going to end.

Clay always hated relationships and love. He prefers to be alone, but he though maybe, just this once, he should try to test his bi-sexual-ness out. Enter Nicholas. Clay keeps finding himself doing nice things for Nicholas just because or finding himself wanting to make Nicholas smile or, gasp, finding himself smiling. He knows he'll break Nicholas's heart when he leaves, but he can't hold himself back anymore.

These two were adorable as hell. Even if their secret rendezvous (and growing feelings) were (a lot) less secret than they realized. ;)

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#theflowershoparrangment #rcayden #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Doc (The Amato Family #1)

I might be too obsessed with mafia romances at the moment...oh well. Here's Abrianna Denae's "Doc." Its the first book in her The Amato Family series. And its apparently a spin-off series of her All's Fair universe, so here's to binging that as well.

["Doc Wescott’s life hasn't always been easy or smooth sailing, but as the Amato Family Head Doctor, he’s made a name for himself in both the medical community and the underground crime world. His close relationship with the Amato Boss, has given him liberties most people don’t have, and it’s allowed him to build a home and family he wouldn’t otherwise have.

When tragedy hits the Family, Doc is the first on scene, using all his skills and contacts as a doctor to do what he does best—save the lives of those who’ve given him a place to belong.

Extenuating circumstances means one of Doc’s assistants is needed elsewhere, and additional help comes in the form of the last person he ever expected, but might have always needed.

Soren Petrov Knightly always knew the Bratva wasn’t for him. Too pretty for his own good, he’s the antithesis to everything the Bratva believes in. When his uncle negotiates an opportunity for him to join the Amato Family, he doesn’t hesitate to take it. A chance to make his own way, without having to censor himself for the comfort of others, is everything he’s always wanted.

When Doc and Soren meet, their connection is instant and unexpected. As their trust grows, they discover an understanding together they never thought they'd have.

Before they can settle into their life together, the Bratva reminds Soren that no one escapes easily—not even the Pakhan’s nephew. Doc and Soren will need to fight against the Organization’s prejudice and old-school ideals if they ever hope to have forever together, or die trying."]

I didn't know this was a spin-off series until I had already requested (and got) the ARC. So (its' horrible really), I was forced to read the All's Fair series (the og series). Doc got more and more page time (both prose and script) as the series went on. And he's a sassy fucker. I love that for him. In the last All's Fair book, we also got to see some of the dynamic between Doc and Soren, which was not how I originally foresaw this couple going. However, the two of them are awesome in soooo many ways.

They're so sweet and fluffy and understanding. But they also put up with each other's shit. They work together easily, in the medical setting and out of it (in the bedroom and out of it). Its as if they knew each other in a past lifetime. 

I don't know what is up with all of the couples in this universe, but they're all a little...unconventional. Its glorious as fuck. Break all of those cliches and stereotypes, you psychotic little shits you.

Also, please notice that one of the pre-made trigger warnings but Abrianna or her team is "light murder." Light. Murder. Wow, that's where we are in the mafia universe. I mean, its not a lie. The murder is here was light.

I kinda need Enzo's book. Like now. I loooove that guy. I want all of the HEAs for him (you may take that one but with good intentions and dirty thoughts). 

Trigger Warnings: light murder, homophobia, drugging, mentions of child abuse, and more.

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arcs #arcteammember
#doc #enzo #theamatofamily #theamatofamilyseries #abriannadenae #allsfair #allsfairseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

All I Survive (All's Fair #3)

Another day, another dark romance series (more mobsters). This one is Abrianna Denae's All's Fair series. The third and final novel is "All I Survive."

["Roman Amato is his father's heir, but a lifetime of training for such a position can't keep the doubt and insecurities from plaguing every decision he makes. His only reprieve is the trust and utter devotion he gets from his two lovers.

Tennant Mason and Hollis Maddigan didn't need Roman to complete them, but they can't deny he gives them everything they never expected. In turn, they'll protect what's theirs, even if it means saving the boy from himself.

Jude Manassero has spent a lifetime bending to his family's will, pretending to be anything except who he really is. A chance meeting with the Amato Family opens up a world he never expected.

Lured in by the promise of an understanding he never thought he’d have, Jude finds himself enchanted by the three men. But his time with them may be his undoing.

The push and pull of fighting for what they want leads to explosive chemistry that rocks the very foundation of who Roman, Tennant, and Hollis are, while Jude struggles to trust they could want all of him, forever.

Just as they're finding their feet and learning how to be with one another, the past begins to repeat itself, and betrayal cuts into the heart of the Family. With his leadership in question, Roman must choose between the life he wants and who he thinks he needs to be. Either way, survival is never a guarantee…"]

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't sure how a second novel with Roman/Tennnat/Hollis would be. 1) they went through so much emotional and physical shit already, and 2) I'm generally not a duology person (when both books follow the same couple). 

But of course, with all of their fluff and kinks and murder boyfriend business, Jude somehow fit right in. He fit into their dynamic and into The Family in sooooo many ways. It was honestly a little fate-like. It was beautiful. 

As was the four-way in the last chapter. And NO, not that kind of four-way (get your minds out of the gutter). I was talking about the way they effectively and efficiently and horn-ily unalived those people. I mean, seriously. That scene had no rights being as hilarious and as hot as it was.

Trigger Warnings: ableism, violence, torture, drugging, fear play/breath play/knife play/blood play, and more.

#alliwant #allifear #allisurvive #allsfair #allsfairseries #abriannadenae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

All I Fear (All's Fair #2)

Another day, another dark romance series (more mobsters). This one is Abrianna Denae's All's Fair series. The second novel is "All I Fear."

["Tennant Mason is the Amato Family’s Second in Command. He’s calculating and lethal, his antisocial personality disorder provides him with the perfect tools for the Amatos to turn him into their deadliest weapon.

Hollis Maddigan is in hiding. He’s spent years using his hacking ability to run from his past. Meeting Tennant was never in his plans, except he finds that the other man just gets him—navigating his quirks and secrets with ease.

Roman Amato is the heir to the Amato Family. He's been training his whole life to one day take over from his father. When the next step of his training begins, tension between him and Tennant may be his undoing, but not in the way either man expected.

Tennant and Hollis are a package deal, and are able to give Roman everything he’s always wanted, but never trusted enough to search for. As the three very different men find their way together, sparks fly—both literally and figuratively.

But just when Hollis thinks he’s left his traumatic past behind, it comes back with a vengeance, threatening to destroy the life he’s built. To save the men he loves, he must crack open his broken soul and remember the person he left behind. In the end, it might not be enough…"]

This series is intense. But somehow, through all of the fucked-up kinks (not kink shaming), its stlil also sooooo incredibly fluffy and sweet.

None of these men had a good childhood. Arguably, many of them don't have a great adulthood. But together, they've building a happy life filled with love and lust and possession and protection so deep, not many people will ever truly experience it. 

Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, human trafficking, violence, torture, drugging, fear play/knife play/blood play/breath play, suicidal ideation and intention, kidnapping, mention of child abuse, and more

#alliwant #allifear #allisurvive #allsfair #allsfairseries #abriannadenae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

All I Want (All's Fair #1)

Another day, another dark romance series (more mobsters). This one is Abrianna Denae's All's Fair series. The first novel is "All I Want." This novel was originally published in the O Deadly Night Anthology and has been since expanded.

["When Carter Russo accepted a position in the Amato Organization, he never expected to get close to the man at the top—let alone end up in his bed.

Cristian Amato is cunning and ruthless, he rules the Family with an iron fist. He never expected to find someone who could be his equal in all things. Yet Carter is one of the few able to see the man beneath the title of Boss.

What should be the best day of their lives is shattered by a betrayal that's closer than anyone could have predicted.

As secrets are revealed and cracks form in the foundation of their lives, Carter and Cristian must put duty above their hearts. Is their love strong enough to survive, or will it prove to be nothing but lies…"]

That was...wow. Ummm..yeah.

Don't get me wrong, that was fabulous! But there was so much blood and torture and heartbreak and lies and agony. It was intense. 

I liked how the story started RIGHT off the bat. Abrianna really shoved us right into the fire. Not just the romance (which has already been going hard and strong for 3 years) but the revealed secrets. It would cut back and forth from torture scenes to perfect family moments. It was jarring, but it a very symbolic kinda way (like if you found out your boyfriend, the love of your life, the person you trust more than anything had been lying to you).

This series has a loooot of potential for more books and more mafia idiots (#communication) falling in love and setting the world on fire.

Trigger Warnings: torture, kidnapping, blood play, knife play, non-graphic but on-page discussions of child abuse, attempted sexual assault, and more.

#alliwant #allifear #allisurvive #allsfair #allsfairseries #abriannadenae #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Starman Strategy (Bakery Brother #4)

The Bakery Brothers series is a Flowershop Assassins spin-off series by Louise Collins. The fourth and final (boo) novel is "The Starman Strategy."

["Newton Briggs.

Asexual, old women magnet, and convicted killer.

The youngest Briggs brother has been sent to prison over the ‘accidental’ death of Jeffery Sharpe. He doesn’t feel guilty for his crime. He did it for his brothers. All of them.
But he is scared.

Newt’s strategy to survive Be himself.

He quickly learns that might not be enough.
The top dog, Shaw, wants him dead.
Thomas, a previous patient of Stone’s, wants to spank him.
And Leo…well, Leo just wants to keep him safe.

Unbeknownst to Newt, Stone planned ahead and hired him a bodyguard behind bars.
Sure, it’s the same guy that almost choked Newt to death in the back of the bakery, but after Newt quite publicly throws up on him in front of the whole wing, Leo considers them even.
With Leo at his side, Newt integrates himself into E-wing and accepts his place in prison.

Newt did not expect to make friends who feel more like family.

He didn’t expect to grow strong feelings for his bodyguard/cellmate to the point he wants to kiss him.

And he definitely didn’t expect to be serenaded in the shower by a man tattooed head to toe as a snake.

Being behind bars is not at all what Newt imagined, but one thing is for sure, life won’t be the same when it’s all over…"]

I've been in love with Newt and his love of space and his Bambi look since the first book. I needed his book ASAP, but of course, his book was the last in the series. He's too sweet and innocent and kind. He needs protected at all costs. BUT he also likes pranks and can be a little shit sometimes. And then there's the fact that he murdered a man to protect his family.

Prison wasn't easy. At. All. But eventually, he found himself, he found a home, and he found a family. It was glorious and had so much redemption. 

It also (the novel) had so many call backs. Thomas was a previous patient (book one). Leo was also a previous patient (book one), but he was also a suspect in another book (book two). Shaw was mentioned a few times as well throughout the series (or, his connection to the Briggs brothers). Plus all of the brothers partners and previous saves and all around dedication to family.

I love how this novel was a romance, but Newt didn't lose his ace aspect. There are some novels were the MC is ace, but is magically demi when they fall in love. There has been ONE other novel that I read where the MC is ace and is still ace at the end of the novel (where sex was only done maybe once, and because they talked and talked about it first, a lot); but sex never really came up here, only kisses. I love that. It's perfect.

I cried A LOT during this book. Then again, I cried a lot during the end of book 3 because of Newt. This book was just somehow so sweet, that when sad things happened, it was heartbreaking. And yes, even though 90% of it took place in prison, it was still one of the sweetest books in the series.

Trigger Warnings: violence, anxiety attacks, blood, incarceration, and more.

#rockedtodeath #mycowlickcop #godownswinging #thestarmanstrategy #bakerybrothers #bakerybrothersseries #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Millie Fleur's Poison Garden

I was looking for a good book present the other day, and I...I might have bought one for myself instead... Oops? Here's Christy Mandin's "Millie Fleur's Poison Garden."

["Garden Glen is a very bland place. Every house and every garden looks exactly like the other. That is… until Millie Fleur La Fae comes to town.

Up on a scruffy hill, beside a ramschackle house, Millie Fleur plants her marvelously strange garden, filled with Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower. Millie Fleur finds it enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison!

But Millie Fleur is proud of her beloved little garden. So if some townspeople want to be sticks in the mud, she'll take matters into her own hands and find the kindred spirits who appreciate everything the garden has to offer."]

Millie and her mom move to a pretty, pastel town where every house and every garden are identity (think Edward Scissorhands), but they're not so pink themselves. Add to that, they move into the "tumbledown house on a scruffy hill at the edge of town. Rejected and excluded, it stood lifeless with no one to love it" (think Addams Family). 

After Millie plants some things in her garden, seeds from her old garden at her old house, she starts to feel much happier and much more at home...until the people in town see what she thinks is pretty. 

This book teaches people (not just kids) that just because it's not your cup of tea (not your rose bush) doesn't mean you can hate on it or attempt to ban it. Millie, with her mother's encouragement, stood strong behind her beloved plants, even if they had silly names and looked odd.

I loooooved this book. One of my bigger tattoos is a bouquet of gorgeous flowers that just so happen to be poisonous. Some of the flowers in Millie's garden are real (just illustrated dramatically) and some are cleverly imaginary. They're all beautifully done and utterly adorable (and totally tattoo-worthy).

This book was partially inspired by the Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle. If you've never heard of it, research it; it's glorious (and toooootally on my bucket list). 

Quote of the Day: "Your garden is different from anything they've seen before. Some people are scared of things that are different."

#milliefleurspoisongarden #christymandin #alnwickcastlepoisongarden #books #childrensbooks #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Go Down Swinging (Bakery Brothers #3)

The Bakery Brothers series is a Flowershop Assassins spin-off series by Louise Collins. The third novel is "Go Down Swinging."

["Mickey Briggs.

Boxer, unofficial uncle and self-labelled ‘straight guy’.

Mickey has gone through life plagued by memories of his childhood tormentor Aaron Fletcher. With Luck Milligan in need of a fighter to take on Aaron, Mickey jumps at the chance of finally getting his revenge.

But knowing the fight between them is on the horizon isn’t enough.
He wants to see what Aaron has become.
He wants Aaron to see who he has become too.

But Aaron Fletcher isn’t the boy Mickey remembers. He’s a good father, a nice guy and he looks at Mickey like he’d love to be beneath him.
The more time Mickey spends with Aaron, the more Mickey likes him, until a kiss leads to a longer kiss, to more…

It’s impossible, and yet with every smile, every flirty comment and lingering look, Mickey starts to believe Aaron has changed.

Boxing day approaches, Luck’s club hangs in the balance and with so much at stake, Mickey has a decision to make.

Fight or walk away with Aaron.

But somebody must go down in the final round.

And that person won't be getting up again..."]

Oh was this one complicated. So many feelings of childhood trauma and bullying BUT add in there bisexual awakening. Shit. It was a lot, and Mickey didn't exactly have any passive, non-complicated people to go to about it (or didn't tell them them that X rant was the same person he had Y breakdown over).

Spoiler alert, they made it work. It wasn't too flowery of an ending, with all of the secrets and drama (not even theirs; yes, seriously), but it was filled with second chances.

Bagel!!! He's getting so big! I loved watching Mickey with him and watching Bagel learn more words (and act as a matchmaker, whether he knew it or not).

Also, I sobbed at the end. Thank you for that, Louise. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, boxing/fighting descriptions, bullying, anxiety attacks, and more.

#rockedtodeath #mycowlickcop #godownswinging #thestarmanstrategy #bakerybrothers #bakerybrothersseries #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

My Cowlick Cop (Bakery Brothers #2)

The Bakery Brothers series is a Flowershop Assassins spin-off series by Louise Collins. The second novel is "My Cowlick Cop."

["Jude Aster.

Police officer, lookout, and the brother with the wayward hair. It’s not easy for Jude juggling his job with the antics of Stud Muffins, but things get even more complicated when Luck Milligan sets him a trap.

Jude falls into it with humiliating results, and reluctantly agrees to be Luck’s eyes and ears at the station.

Is Luck a bit on the crazy side?

Yes.

Does he mock Jude’s hair and use photographs of cows to intimidate Jude into cooperating?

Yes.

Does he have a slight obsession with a part of Jude’s anatomy?

Absolutely.

But with Luck comes Hope, Luck’s twin sister, adopter of strays, cooker of stews and carer of thirty-one cats.

Thirty-two if Hope includes Jude.

Which she does.

When old wounds resurface between Jude and Stone, he doubts his place in the family and finds himself growing closer to Luck Milligan and his sister.

Sure, it’s equal parts blackmail, kidnap, and Stockholm syndrome, but that’s still something in Jude’s eyes.

Just like with his brothers, he’ll protect Luck and Hope at all costs.

And just like with his brothers, that will be put to the test…"]

Poor Jude. I mean, he's clumsy and awkward and a little weird, but when he became a police officer, he never imagined having to cover for his brothers so much, let alone Luck Milligan (or for his fellow officers to have it out for them so much...even though they aren't (most of them) completely innocent). There is soooooo much guilt and protectiveness there (with his brothers...okay and Luck) that he's struggling with, along with..other things. Plus the trauma of his childhood and the competitive nature of his job. 

And then there's Luck. Who's also awkward and weird and known as a mob boss criminal. Though, with those who matter to him, he's loyal as fuck. He likes to tease, but he likes to lean into the fluff, in his own bizarre ways. 

These two are anything but conventional...or sane. They shouldn't work. Then again, Jude isn't 100% cop, and Luck isn't 100% criminal. Their crazies match, which is all you could ever ask for. 

I loooooooove Hope. She's a little crazy, but she means well (and she calls Jude silly kitty). Plus all of the cameos from the Flowershop Assassins?!?!?! Talk about iconic. 

Trigger Warnings: violence, dirty cops (though, in fairness, Jude is a dirty cop--but his intentions are good...if that helps), and more.

#rockedtodeath #mycowlickcop #godownswinging #thestarmanstrategy #bakerybrothers #bakerybrothersseries #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Entering a New World (Cedarwood Pack #1)

Here is Ray Celar's "Entering a New World." Its the first novel in her latest series: Cedarwood Pack.

["Would you rather be alone in the wilderness with a makes stranger or a wild wolf?

RHETT
Wasn't finding your fated mate supposed to be easy? A done deal?
I always thought so, but here I was, facing problems I'd never thought I'd have to handle. How did one tell their human fated mate that the friendly wolf he'd relied on for days was, in fact, a shifter and destined to be the love of his life?

Dumping all the information on him in the middle of a storm while my mate feared for his life definitely wasn't my brightest idea.
But I'm trying to make up for that. I'm listening to him, giving him time and space, but dammit... I want him by my side.

Can I ever make him mine?

LEVI
I can't believe my scumbag of a manager just left me in the middle of the Canadian wilderness to survive on my own for a week. I have no survival skills. A backpack full of stuff I don't know how to use won't change that. If it wasn't for the weirdly smart and friendly wolf showing me the ropes, I'd be lost. I know how that sounds, but I swear I'm not crazy.

What am I supposed to do when said wolf turns out the be a man who is convinced I'm the love of his life?
Everything I ever knew about the world is thrown for a spin, and I find myself in the middle of a new world I don't know how to navigate."]

I LOOOOOOVED this book!!!! It was very reminiscent of Mika Nik's Drake Security series in the way that their shifter beasts are a separate being then their human counterpart, a secondary character themselves (who aren't hesitant at. all. in announcing their wants and needs when it comes to their mate), which I looove. I also loved the description of the bond, how strongly it hit and then affected Rhett (and eventually Levi). It was magical, for a lack of a better word. It was beautiful. 

I loved how the entire town was just so supportive and how the pack was ready to do anything for Rhett (and Levi). It was a perfect found family, a perfect place for Levi to fall into and call home.

I wanted more of Nix, but his book is next (with Gray, who, according to the blurb, is about to fuck everything up; good job, alpha). ((I can't wait))

Also, yet another author to add to my to-binge list (this list is terrrrrribly long--I can only blame myself).

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#enteringanewworld #startinganewlife #cedarwoodpack #cedarwoodpackseries #raycelar #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Leo, My Partner (Family Ties #2)

R.S. McKenzie's latest series (one of them) is called Family Ties. The second novel in the series is "Leo, My Partner."

["Leo
Pretending to be like everyone else is exhausting, but I’ve mastered it. No one knows what really lurks behind the mask I wear every day. I’m not like others. I don’t experience emotions like they do. I have no need for human connection, but when I see Tyshawn, that changes. One look and I know he’s mine. It doesn’t matter that I’ve never been with a man before. He makes me want, he makes me burn. When he catches me … working … my second job, he has to decide if he wants to stay with me. I have to convince him that I’m willing to do anything for him … including slaying some of his demons.

Tyshawn
Owning my own bakery is my dream. When a friend of mine pushes me to contact the owner of Ray’s Beanery for a tasting to display my baked goods at his coffee shop, I jump at the opportunity. The sexy coffee shop owner I meet is as unexpected as my instant feelings of desire for him. That is, until I walk in on him covered in blood while he’s … working. I realize there is more to him than meets the eye. I’m terrified of him, but when I hear him out, I’m intrigued. I know what he’s capable of. Am I capable of it too?"]

Why are psychopaths in dark romance novels so freaking cute?! I mean, sure, he's constantly covered in blood and describing things I did not need to "see" while eating, BUT the way he is with Ty?!?!? So. Fucking. Adorable.

The way Leo just blossomed with Ty. The way Ty just jumped into this crazy thing with two feet. The way Blu and June just accepted them into their messed up family. It was glorious. 

Quote of the Day (Leon): "I'd rather he be with me willingly than kidnapping him and chaining him to my headboard. My de-dushka, Ivan, said I can't take people against their wills and expect to stay out of prison. While I like to keep what is mine close to me, I don't want to get locked up and be away from him forever. That would defeat the purpose of kidnapping him in the first place."

Quote of the Day (Ty): "'Demanding and possessive. Either the heavens have sent me the man of my dreams, or you're a psychopath. I'm not sure which one." First date, everyone. First. Date.

Trigger Warnings: murder, torture, violence, mention of sexual assault off page, off-page mention of crimes against children, mentions of animal cruelty and death on-page but in the past, mention of suicide off-page and in the past, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#blumyprotector #leomypartner #familyties #familytiesseries #rsmckenzie #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Protecting His Vampire Mate (Blood Bonded Mates #3)

"Protecting His Vampire Mate" is the third book in Jay Castle's Blood Bonded Mates series.

["Bryan
After everything I've done, I don't deserve love. Especially not from Tobias Hawthorne—the brave, gorgeous, annoyingly perfect warlock who insists he's my fated mate.
Actually, I might already be halfway in love with him, but Tobias doesn't need to know that. Because it can't happen. I can't put him in danger. Not when I've hurt so many people already. Instead, I'll use this darkness to hunt monsters and make the world a safer place. Love doesn't factor in. And if I just keep telling myself that, maybe someday I'll believe it.

Tobias
At fourteen, I cast a spell to see the face of my fated mate. I never expected it to be a vampire. And I denied it for years. Then I met Bryan, and my world made sense for the first time. Until he left.
It's fine. I'm the coven's go-to warlock for banishing big bads. Work keeps me distracted. Except when it doesn't. Which is always. But Bryan needs space, and I'll give him anything he needs, even if it hurts. But then a demon shows me a future where Bryan dies. I have to protect him, no matter the cost. He doesn't want a warlock bodyguard. Too bad. I'm not going anywhere, even if saving him makes him hate me."]

This one was a hard read. It was mentally and emotionally taxing. Bryan had been through soooo fucking much (like all of the trigger warnings (and more) are about him). He was struggling something fierce. It was hard on him (obviously), and it was hard on Tobias. The two of them almost didn't make it. I almost cried (okay, no almost).

Quote of the Day (Bryan about Tobias): "Just knowing he was out there somewhere made it possible to get through my worst days, even if I had no desire to call him and wreck him all over again." Romantic and heartbreaking...aka the entire novel.

Gotta be honest, not sure how I feel about the next book...but we'll see.

Trigger Warnings: violence, mentions of death/loss of loved ones, on-page depictions of mind-control, a character coping with a trauma that has tones of surviving sexual assault (though no sexual violence of any kind occurs on-page, nor is it mentioned anywhere within the book), and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#snowedinwiththevampireprince #embracinghisvampiremate #marriedtothevampireking #bloodbondedmates #bloodbondedmatesseries #jaycastle #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Married to the Vampire King (Blood Bonded Mates #2)

"Married to the Vampire King" is the second book in Jay Castle's Blood Bonded Mates series.

["Ethan
The bad news is that the vampires and witches of this city are all going to kill each other. Meaning that everyone I care about is pretty much doomed. The good news is, I have a plan to stop it. Step one: Marry Nathaniel Bailey, the leader of the city’s vampires. Step two: Make myself into the most enticing bait possible so that the murderous vampire who is actively trying to plunge the whole city into chaos comes after ME next. Step three: Place my life in the hands of my newly minted husband, who probably doesn’t care whether I live or die. What could possibly go wrong?

Nathaniel
From the very first moment I lay eyes on Ethan Solomon, I know he’s my mate. And when he proposes to me less than five minutes after our first meeting, part of an insane plan to broker peace between the witches and the vampires, I accept his proposal without hesitation. Ethan thinks that we’ve entered into a fake marriage. He has no idea how real it is for me. He has no idea how long I have waited for him. And he has no idea that I will stop at nothing until I’ve made him mine."]

These two are freaking adorable. They both have known loneliness, lack of trust, and need for peace. They've both had places they belong but felt as if they didn't belong there. They both made sacrifices for the greater good and never really getting the appreciation for it. 

Ethan is sweet and sassy, innocent and calculating. He has a potty mouth and snarky friends. He gave up everything for everyone but didn't tell a soul. He knew his city would get a HEA but didn't know if he would. Until Nathaniel laid the world and more at his feet.

Nathaniel made himself a home in a city he would do anything for. He's sweeter than sweet, but everyone assumes he's the stereotypical scary vampire king. He's lost so many people, but at least he's watching those he cares for find their fated mates. Until Ethan barges into his life.

Most of my highlights from this novel was of Ethan teasing Nathaniel about how not scary he is:
1) "Except, of course, for Nathaniel, who I had begun to think of as basically a Care Bear with fangs."
2)"The vampire king--my husband--was a cinnamon roll. An ooey-gooey cinnamon roll."
3) "'It's hard to believe I ever imagined, even for an instant, that you were a cold or ruthless person.' // 'You might recall that I'm the scourge of mankind. A deeply, deeply scary vampire.' // 'Oh, right. That.'" Suuuuure Nathanial, so scary. ;)

Trigger Warnings: depictions of homelessness among young adults, mentions of family abandonment due to transphobia, mentions of off-page past loss of a loved one, on-page violence, and more

#snowedinwiththevampireprince #embracinghisvampiremate #marriedtothevampireking #bloodbondedmates #bloodbondedmatesseries #jaycastle #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Prince of the Palisades

Another #NetGalley for the win. Here's Julian Winters's "Prince of the Palisades." Advertised as "Young Royals meets Red, White, and Royal Blue in this heart-pumping romance by award-winning author Julian Winters!", how couldn't I?!?

["When roguish Prince Jadon of Îles de la Rêverie is left in America to clean up his image after a horribly public break-up gone viral, romance is not on the table. Carefully planned photo ops with puppies? Yes. Scheduled appearances with the Santa Monica elite Absolutely. Rendezvous with a pink-haired, film-obsessed hottie from the private school where he’s currently enrolled? Uhhhh . . .

Together with his entourage—a bitingly witty royal guard, Rêverie’s future queen (and Jadon’s brilliant older sister), and a quirky royal liaison—Jadon’s on a mission to turn things around and show his parents, and his country, that he’s more than just a royal screw-up. If he doesn’t prove that he’s the prince Rêverie deserves? Well, he may not be allowed home . . .

But falling for a not-so-royal American boy has Jadon redefining what it means to be a leader. If he can be someone’s Prince Charming just by being himself, maybe that’s all it takes to win over a nation. Or at least a prince can dream . . ."]

How do YA books manage to be sooo freaking deep?! How can you manage to cover so much and break my heart and heal it and cover more? Gender, race, class, sexuality. All of it.

Jadon was told to figure out how to be the prince his country needed while being told who to be, how to act, what to do. All the while trying to figure out who he is as a person. And being a teenager. Like oooof.

Not being able to trust anyone, not being able to speak up for causes you believe in, not being able to have a safe place, not being able to tell anyone the trust, not being able to confine in someone about the moment that wrecked everything. Add into that figuring out a new country, a new school, a new set of peers, a new normal. Plus a fight with your parents weighing you down. AND falling in love (and fucking it up a few times).

Quote of the day: "Be a little fearless." 

AND there was a SERIOUS and 100% legit reference to RWRB (#HistoryHuh) ANNNNND one to Princess Dairies (#Genovia)

#princeofthepalisades #julianwinters #books #queerbooks #ya #queerya #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

The Cinderella Prince (The Boys of Hudson Burrow #1)

I canNOT get enough of fairytales and retellings and princes. Here's Hayden Hall's latest: "The Cinderella Prince." Its the first novel in his new series: The Boys of Hudson Burrow.

["All I want is to help those who need it the most. So when a devastatingly handsome stranger lands in Neon Nights, the gay bar where we spend our days and nights, I immediately know he’s in trouble. I also know that we share an instant connection that comes once in a lifetime, but our clumsy kiss freaks him out and turns the night into a total disaster.

The truth is that Cedric Philippe Valois Montclair is no random stranger looking for a place to stay. He is a foreign prince about to be engaged to a woman his family picked for him. Facing the prospect of an arranged marriage, the charming prince ran to New York and fell into my arms.

Cedric is a dreamer, an art lover, and hell in a tight shirt. He makes my mouth water and my heart melt.

Can I protect him from his family’s pursuit? And can I resist that endless pull of attraction?

I know I can never be more than a friend to him. Even if he didn’t have to marry a French marchioness, he couldn’t be with me. But every minute we spend on the dance floor, our hands exploring each other’s biceps and backs, my desire for him becomes hotter.

I’m about to do something terribly stupid.

I’m about to fall in love with a prince."]

This book was beautiful and glorious and historic and heartbreaking. It reminded me a bit of "Red, White, and Royal Blue" but with more drag queens and more dancing (and less first sons). 

I learned sooo much about queer motifs in Hellenic and Romance mythology and history. It was awesome (and heartbreaking--so much heartbreak in this one, and somehow I only cried a bit). It almost makes me want to make my own altar to Antinous.

Their love was so poetic, so open, so achingly beautiful. They were soft and devoted to each other. So dedicated and reverent and passionate. It was perfect. It was stuff of history.

I can't wait for the rest of the series. 

Trigger Warnings: past mentions of a lost loved one, and more

#booksprout #indieauthorcreative #arcs #arcteammember
#thecinderellaprince #romeovsromeo #beautyandthebillionaire #theboysofhudsonburrow #theboysofhudsonburrowseries #haydenhall #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Beautifully Savage Butterfly (Mafia Bound #2)

Another day, another lucky chance at another ARC. "Beautifully Savage Butterfly" is the second novel in K.M. Neuhold's Mafia Bound series. 

["Being savage in the ring is one thing. The way Elio Moretti craves my violence outside the ring is another.

I feel like I’ve been fighting my whole life, and tapping out has never been an option.

I can live with owing money to the Morettis. I can even live with the constant guilt that my brother is the one paralyzed in a hospital bed while I live his dream. What I can’t live with is Elio Moretti, second in command to the infamous crime family, showing up to all my fights, sitting in the front row, watching me like he can’t look away, and barging into the locker room to patch up my wounds and invade my space.

The Morettis are monsters. Vicious, brutal sociopaths. So, why is Elio so eager to get on his knees for me?

He’s as desperate to give up control as I am to take it, but is giving in to these primal urges enough of a reason to sell my soul?

He claims there are worse people in this city than his family, and the deeper I get dragged into his world, the more true that’s starting to seem. Can I really fall in love with a Mafia underboss? Is it even possible to walk away?"]

THIS BOOK!!!! D:

They understood each other...after Orion let go of his hate. 

Yes, Elio is spoiled, but being the second in command of a mafia isn't exactly easy (on the soul, on the heart, on the head). You see things, deal with things that other people can't even imagine, and then, when you want a moment of peace or vulnerability, you don't know who to trust. Orion eventually realized that, saw all the broken pieces that made Elio Elio and stuck around anyway.

Elio also eventually realized why Orion was being stubborn, pigheaded, and frankly, a little fucking holier than though (and exact quote from Elio--to which he paid for). He's also dealt with things that most people can't imagine, had to handle things that others couldn't handle, and done all of that virtually on his own for so long. Elio saw him, saw the savageness and anger; he helped Orion with his demons, helped Orion with his debts, and helped Orion relax a little. 

I mean honestly, Orion did so much judging that he literally said, "Elio fucking Moretti is not a subby brat begging for a spanking, he's a goddamn killer." As if one cannot occur with the other. As if Elio is anything BUT a subby brat begging for a spanking. But don't worry, Orion figured out that their traumas (and kinks) matched pretty freaking well. 

Quote of the Day (Elio about Orion): "Am I starting to wear him down a little? Not much, hopefully. I don't want him domesticated, I just want him tame enough to keep. Actually, I don't need that either. i want him to want me. Outside of that, he can stay as feral as he likes."

QotD 2 (Elio about Xav/Sparrow): "They gave me a fucked-up kind of hope that even the twisted souls can have mates. I both hate and love them for that."

Trigger Warnings: casual violence related to MMA, bad guys getting what's coming to them, human/sex trafficking (of minors), and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#deadlylitlesparrow #mafiabound #mafiaboundseries #kmneuhold #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Fated Mates and When To Keep Them (Fated Mates #0)

This series (more so the order) continues to confuse me. "Fated Mates and When To Keep Them" is the 0 book, according to Goodreads in A.J. Sherwood's Fated Mates series, but its the third published novel in the series. So take that how you will.

["Noel is desperate for cash. So PA for the mafia boss it is, or he risks losing his childhood home. Too bad the job also comes with a grumpy vampire boss.

Family has been Fernando’s priority for centuries, so why does his adorable PA suddenly stir long-forgotten feelings?

Killing anyone that endangers Noel counts as a romantic gesture, right? Asking for a vampire."]

And the official tags (because they're the freaking best--AND it sorta explains the series order misorder situation): ["I am apparently writing this series backwards, so have book zero everyone, mafia, vampires, cute boys in trouble, this story is pure crack, I’m not even sorry, blood and sex, dino nuggies, hurt and comfort, bad guys get karma, stubborn to lovers, music is their love language, mindless violence and fluff, cinnamon roll protection squad assemble!, boss-employee trope."]

I toooootally forgot that Fernando was a Generation Zero, so like that entire first part went riiiiight over my head. That's my bad though. And OF COURSE, Fernando took it all in stride and took in others like him.

Speaking of Fernando.. I looooove it when big, scary, terrifying men with unspeakable reputations (Fernando) are rendered speechless when they fall in love. ESPECIALLY when the person they love (Noel) doesn’t fall for any of their shit but keeps them in line. Noel turns Fernando into a puppy. A fluffy but murderously protective puppy. 

And, gotta say, even though it’s confusing, I’m obsessed with how AJ is letting her characters lead her and direct this series in a backward manner. I’m here for it. 

Quote of the Day 1 (Fernando): “‘Anyone who hurts you is a dead man walking.’” Trope-y but also hot as hell. 

QotD 2 (Noel): “Look, it was a morally complicated day. Noel was well within his rights to be emotionally confused about the whole thing.”

Trigger Warnings: violence, domestic abuse (emotional, physical, monetary, and sadly more), bad men who deserve the karma Fernando gives them, and more. 

#fatedmatesandwhentokeepthem #fatedmatesandwheretofindthem #fatedmatesandhowtowoothem #fatedmates #fatedmatesseries #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Death Sets Sail (Murder Most Unladylike #9)

For some reason, even though I follow her on Amazon, I had no clue that Robin Stevens had written more books in her Murder Most Unladylike series. Anywho, here is the ninth (and final) novel, "Death Sets Sail."

["Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are in Egypt, where they are taking a cruise along the Nile. They are hoping to see some ancient temples and a mummy or two; what they get, instead, is murder.

Also travelling on the SS Hatshepsut is a mysterious society called the Breath of Life: a group of genteel English ladies and gentlemen, who believe themselves to be reincarnations of the ancient pharaohs. Three days into the cruise their leader, Theodora Miller, is found dead in her cabin, stabbed during the night. It soon becomes clear to Daisy and Hazel that Theodora's timid daughter Hephzibah, who is prone to sleepwalking, is being framed. And within the society, everyone has a reason to want Theodora dead...

Daisy and Hazel leap into action and begin to investigate their most difficult case yet. But there is danger all around, and only one of the Detective Society will make it home alive..."]

Another amazing story, another amazing fail on my part to solve it on my own. Though, it's rare I figure it out lately.

ALSO, I did NOT appreciate the first chapter and everything associated with it, all of the hints (subtle or otherwise).

Even though I thought I said goodbye to these girls and their mysteries (and their knack of getting into trouble in the name of good (and detecting)), its still a hard goodbye now. I loved seeing them grow as individuals (Hazel: more confident; Daisy: more humble) and as a team (Detective Society forever), as they figure out what they want from life, from love. Its beautiful.

These books are glorious in their way of encouraging women to do what they want, no matter their gender. This series and these characters also, in the midst of the second world war approaching, went out of its way to be an ally to all, no matter the gender, sexual orientation, race, class, etc. Its something sooooo seemingly simple, but to those outside the "typical", its everything. 

Quote of the Day (Daisy//Daniel): "'And what's wrong with being a little girl? Hatshepsut was twelve when she became queen of Egypt.' // 'I except people complained about her, too.' // 'I expect she chopped off their heads,' said Daisy casually. 'Never underestimate a young woman.'" <3

#murderisbadmanners #poisonisnotpolite #firstclassmurder #jollyfoulplay #mistletoeandmurder #aspoonfulofmurder #deathinthespotlight #topmarksformurder #deathsetssail #robinstevens #murdermostunladylike #murdermostunladylikeseries #creambunsandcrimetipstricksandtalesfromthedetectivesociety #creambunsandcrime #tipstricksandtalesfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrimedeliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrime #deliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #sirarthurconandoyle #sherlockholmes #sherlock #bookstagram #books #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Cream Buns and Crime: Tips, Tricks, and Tales from the Detective Society

For some reason, even though I follow her on Amazon, I had no clue that Robin Stevens had written more books in her Murder Most Unladylike series. Anywho, here is another collection of shorter stories (the first half of them--the ones I read before are the second half, chronologically), "Cream Buns and Crime: Tips, Tricks, and Tales from the Detective Society."

["Learn more about Daisy and Hazel’s detecting process and unravel three brand-new mini-mysteries in this “jolly good fun” (Kirkus Reviews) short story companion to the Murder Most Unladylike series for “fans of Enola Holmes, Agatha Christie, and Stuart Gibbs” (School Library Journal).

Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are famous for the murder cases they have solved—but there are many other mysteries in the pages of Hazel’s casebook, including the macabre Case of the Deepdean Vampire, the baffling Case of the Blue Violet, and even their very first case of all: the Case of Lavinia’s Missing Tie.

Packed with these brilliant new mini-mysteries and peppered with Daisy and Hazel’s own detecting tips, tricks, and facts, this is the perfect book for fans and budding members of the Detective Society."]

These short stories take place in between the full-length novels, so a lot of them talk about a mystery they just solved or start setting up some plot for an upcoming novel. They had a lot of old characters come back (Lavinia, Kitty, Beanie, Miss Bell, George, Alexander, and more).

I love me a short story, one the author probably just wrote for funsies. Again, if I had been with it before, I would have read these short stories in order (the short stories in correct order themselves as well as in order within the series itself), but life happens. They've been read now. ;)

If I didn't say so before, I HIGHLY recommend this series! The characters are amazing, the plot is interesting, the mystery is engaging.

Middle Grade is so nice sometimes, an easy read, easier sentences, less stress within the plot (even though there is murder). Its a palette cleanser sometimes.

#onceuponacrimedeliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrime #deliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #murderisbadmanners #poisonisnotpolite #firstclassmurder #jollyfoulplay #mistletoeandmurder #robinstevens #sirarthurconandoyle #sherlockholmes #sherlock #bookstagram #books #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Top Marks for Murder (Murder Most Unladylike #8)

For some reason, even though I follow her on Amazon, I had no clue that Robin Stevens had written more books in her Murder Most Unladylike series. Anywho, here is the eighth novel, "Top Marks For Murder."

["Daisy and Hazel are finally back at Deepdean, and the school is preparing for a most exciting event: the fiftieth Anniversary.

Plans for a weekend of celebrations are in full swing. But all is not well, for in the detectives' long absence, Deepdean has changed. Daisy has lost her crown to a fascinating new girl - and many of the Detective Society's old allies are now their sworn enemies.

Then the girls witness a shocking incident in the woods close by - a crime that they're sure is linked to the Anniversary. As parents descend upon Deepdean, decades-old grudges, rivalries and secrets begin to surface, and soon Deepdean's future is at stake.

Can the girls solve the case - and save their home?"]

Its been soooo long since I read one of these books set at Deepdean that I forgot who all of their friends were and their quirks and their fears, but just a few chapters in, and I've got it. THAT is the indicator that Robin (author) is fantastic at what she does.

I love how close they are (all of them, not just Daisy and Hazel) and how dedicated to each other they are and how perfectly childish they are (so seemingly independent but still so naive and innocent). I love how the inspector believes in Daisy and Hazel so much. And I love (yes, its a trope of the genre, but its still great) these two children manage to outsmart and outwit the police again and again (at least this one guy is on their side, faith never waivering). 

This series might be a middle grade series, but I can never seem to guess who the culprit is. I can guess when the girls are on the right track, but I also EASILY fall for soooo many red herrings (or concern myself with minor af details that are literally just setting filler).

#murderisbadmanners #poisonisnotpolite #firstclassmurder #jollyfoulplay #mistletoeandmurder #aspoonfulofmurder #deathinthespotlight #topmarksformurder #deathsetssail #robinstevens #murdermostunladylike #murdermostunladylikeseries #creambunsandcrimetipstricksandtalesfromthedetectivesociety #creambunsandcrime #tipstricksandtalesfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrimedeliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrime #deliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #sirarthurconandoyle #sherlockholmes #sherlock #bookstagram #books #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Chosen By The Champion

So this might be the ARC due furthest away from today, but its an ARC so that counts for something. Here's A.L. Morrow's "Chosen By The Champion." It was previous published as a novelette called "Omega Ever After" (and has since been expanded).

["There are no glass slippers, charming princes, or godmothers for this Cinderella.

Tristan. My father and brothers always make me do their dirty work—and by "dirty work," I mean steal. Refusing them comes with a an arranged marriage to the most despicable alpha Father can find. When I go into heat before I've finished my latest job, I fear for the worst ... until Mason Dawes—the handsome alpha whose painting I'm trying to pilfer—walks in and shows me another way.

Mason. They say I'm this generation's greatest champion of omega rights, but behind my words is a broken heart. The beautiful omega on my doorstep awakes something in me, but he needs my help as much as I do his. And saving him comes with a sacrificing my ideals."]

This book was flipping perfect! It was everything a Cinderella-retelling needed and more. 

Mason only ever wanted to be needed and to take care of someone his own. Tristan only ever wanted freedom (and maybe someone who needed him, just him). So of course they fell in love (and lust) rather quickly, but it was true and it was real and it was beautiful. 

Another author to add to my to-binge list I suppose. ;)

Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, bullying, humiliation, and more.

#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#chosenbythechampion #alwaysanomega #almorrow #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebook

Forgotten Romance (Divorced Men's Club #6)

Suddenly, its August, and I have so many currently-borrowed-ARCs due. Here's to me speed-reading (which, frankly, I'm great at). "Forgotten Romance" by Saxon James. Its the sixth (and final, boo) book in her Divorced Men's Club series.

["Davey
In a list of what’s most important to me, three things are right up there at the top. My kids, my husband Mack, and my career I’ve spent my life building. Unfortunately that career has me away from home more than I'd like, and when I refuse to walk away from it, my husband walks away from me instead.
Living together post-divorce makes sense for us, but it blurs the lines between what we were and what we have. Now that I’ve scored a big promotion and negotiated twelve long weeks at home, memories of our life together haunt me. They make me long for what we had. And now that Mack is moving on with someone else, I’m being faced with the cold truth. I should never have let Mack go, and now it might be too late to get him back.

Mack
Twelve weeks. It’s the longest Davey has been home since we had the kids, and all it does is remind me of everything I wish I still had. So I decide this is it. I have twelve weeks to remind Davey of everything he lost and hope like hell when I give him the choice between work and me again, that this time he chooses me.
None of my friends are on board with my plan, and the new guy in town is trying his hardest to win me over. But I can ignore cute notes slipped into my favorite books if it means getting back the man I’ll love forever.
All I need to do is remind him our life together was perfect.
Now if only our kids, our friends, and his work would get the memo …"]

These two!!! D: I cried sooooo much in this book (and I can't blame ALL of it on my PMS). They were sooooo freaking in love and soooooooo heartbroken at the same time. It was beautiful and horrible. My god, there was so much angst and tension. Some of it was nice; some of it make my chest physically ache (yay). 

I really do like how, after you look into it more and more and these two examine more than just that one conversation about a divorce (aka the prologue), the destruction of their marriage (that's dramatic...the gay-disaster-pause) was a mutual thing. And they both took that realization and took a moment to grow individually so they could grow together, better this time around.

I'm not sure WHY exactly I was so obsessed with this move in high school, but that moment when you ask someone why they love their partner? When they can't give a single reason, but a whole ass list (said list being cheesy as hell?)? Yeah, that happened here (Davey to Mack): "'One of those things without the rest isn't you. It's the way these fingers grip the books you read. And how you hold our babies in these arms. The way you go so red, right here, when you get embarrassed about the most ridiculous things. It's your eyes saying what your mouth can't, and it's the truly filthy things you sometimes let slip past your lips...'" I have to go ugly cry again, brb. 

God, was this series good. I might have cried a bit in the epilogue (add that to Art's total) because this was the end. I know that means KM has other things brewing for us, but aren't ends hard either way? 

#forewordprandmarketing #arcs #arcteammember
#makinghimmine #roommatearrangement #platonicrulebook #buddingattraction #employingpatience #systemoverload #forgottenromance #divorcedmensclub #divorcedmensclubseries #saxonjames  #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Death in the Spotlight (Murder Most Unladylike #7)

For some reason, even though I follow her on Amazon, I had no clue that Robin Stevens had written more books in her Murder Most Unladylike series. Anywho, here is the seventh novel, "Death in the Spotlight."

["Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are off to the beautiful Rue Theatre in London, where they will face an entirely new challenge: acting. But behind the theatre's glittering facade, the girls soon realise that there is trouble at the Rue. Jealousy, threats and horrible pranks quickly spiral out of control - and then one of the cast is found dead.

As opening night looms closer, Hazel and Daisy must take centre stage and solve the crime . . . before the murderer strikes again."]

I looooove these two. They are so fiercely protective of each other and so dedicated to their friendship (yes, Daisy messes up sometimes and puts detecting first, but she quickly rights herself). They would do absolutely anything for the other.

They are also sooo brave. They put themselves in situations that would frighten most ladies of today, let alone little girls (teens) of the 1930s, all in the name of detective work. They are smart, smarter than almost anyone gives them credit for. But they also know how to work their gender and age to get what they want (from moooost people). 

And they are highly progressive (which I mean, DUH). Other books have talked about gender, societal standards, or race, but this one breached the topic of same sex relationships, but many of the characters (our two MCs included) are strong allies. 

This one seemed a little info-dump-y, like by a loooot. Maybe its just the middle grade aspect.

#murderisbadmanners #poisonisnotpolite #firstclassmurder #jollyfoulplay #mistletoeandmurder #aspoonfulofmurder #deathinthespotlight #topmarksformurder #deathsetssail #robinstevens #murdermostunladylike #murdermostunladylikeseries #creambunsandcrimetipstricksandtalesfromthedetectivesociety #creambunsandcrime #tipstricksandtalesfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrimedeliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #onceuponacrime #deliciousmysteriesanddeadlymurdersfromthedetectivesociety #sirarthurconandoyle #sherlockholmes #sherlock #bookstagram #books #bookphotography #ilovebooks

Echo (Fallen Gargoyles MC #2)

I have (temporarily) caught up on the read-asap-arcs so...why not read something that's debuted from one of my favorite authors in the last couple of weeks? Here's Willow Thomas's "Echo." Its the second book in her Fallen Gargoyles MC series.

["Falling in love with a rival MC member wasn’t on my to-do list.

Echo
The Fallen Gargoyles are everything to me. Kenny took me in when I was at my lowest. It’s thanks to him I’m alive, making something of myself by going to community college. These people are my family.
When I’m not in class, losing myself in a book, or working construction, I’m doing my club duties as an enforcer.
I have zero time for a relationship. Even one with the gorgeous chatty guy who sits next to me in class.
I vow to not get close to him and drag him into my world.
But when I see him being kidnapped, it looks like the choice is taken out of my hands.

Joey
Growing up in a motorcycle club is all I’ve ever known and I hate it. My dad is the president of a one percent club which tells you everything about the kind of life he leads.
I don’t want it.
I want to get my degree and leave Oregon behind me. Until that happens I will look for bright spots wherever I can. Like the super hot guy in my Lit class.
Lessons are spent with me talking at him and with every grunt he graces me, I fall for him a little bit more.
When he saves me from a few of my dad’s enemies, I worry I’ve scared him off.
And then I find out who he really is."]

I love how green-flag-y and light these MC books are. Don’t get me wrong, I looooove me a dark romance, but the fact that the Fallen Gargoyles MC is all about helping battered and abused people (because the MC was originally all first responders) is glorious. Good for them. Loooove that for them.

I also love Joey and Echo. They were cute as hell, both so enamored with each other before the book even started.

However, I do things this book was a smidges rushed. If all felt good until the “oh shit” moment of realization that they were “rivals”. Then the I Love Yous were handed out and an epilogue. I love how angst free it was, but it is didn’t feel finished. 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of illegal activities, guns, and more.

#nicky #echo #rex #jet #fallengargoyles #fallengargoylesseries #knockedforsix #caughtoffguard #caughtoffguardseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks have (temporarily) caught up on the read-asap-arcs so...why not read something that's debuted from one of my favorite authors in the last couple of weeks? Here's Willow Thomas's "Echo." Its the second book in her Fallen Gargoyles MC series.

["Falling in love with a rival MC member wasn’t on my to-do list.

Echo
The Fallen Gargoyles are everything to me. Kenny took me in when I was at my lowest. It’s thanks to him I’m alive, making something of myself by going to community college. These people are my family.
When I’m not in class, losing myself in a book, or working construction, I’m doing my club duties as an enforcer.
I have zero time for a relationship. Even one with the gorgeous chatty guy who sits next to me in class.
I vow to not get close to him and drag him into my world.
But when I see him being kidnapped, it looks like the choice is taken out of my hands.

Joey
Growing up in a motorcycle club is all I’ve ever known and I hate it. My dad is the president of a one percent club which tells you everything about the kind of life he leads.
I don’t want it.
I want to get my degree and leave Oregon behind me. Until that happens I will look for bright spots wherever I can. Like the super hot guy in my Lit class.
Lessons are spent with me talking at him and with every grunt he graces me, I fall for him a little bit more.
When he saves me from a few of my dad’s enemies, I worry I’ve scared him off.
And then I find out who he really is."]

I love how green-flag-y and light these MC books are. Don’t get me wrong, I looooove me a dark romance, but the fact that the Fallen Gargoyles MC is all about helping battered and abused people (because the MC was originally all first responders) is glorious. Good for them. Loooove that for them.

I also love Joey and Echo. They were cute as hell, both so enamored with each other before the book even started.

However, I do things this book was a smidges rushed. If all felt good until the “oh shit” moment of realization that they were “rivals”. Then the I Love Yous were handed out and an epilogue. I love how angst free it was, but it is didn’t feel finished. 

Trigger Warnings: mentions of illegal activities, guns, and more.

#nicky #echo #rex #jet #fallengargoyles #fallengargoylesseries #knockedforsix #caughtoffguard #caughtoffguardseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks